Hicksville Divorce Lawyer

Divorce can be a long, grueling, and emotionally exhausting process. Lawyer fees pile up and exhaust all of your resources, options run out and you seem to have nowhere else to go. The highly skilled and well trained staff of Simonetti & Associates, located in Hicksville, New York, are here to provide you with what you need to make your divorce process as quick and painless as possible.

With more than 28 years of experience, Simonetti & Associates have been faithfully serving residents of both Nassau and Suffolk County alike since 1990. Louis F. Simonetti Jr., a native Long Islander, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania magna cum laude in 1984 before earning his J.D. from St. John’s University in 1987. Simonetti and his team of attorneys in Hicksville, New York have more than 70 years of combined experience. The attorneys at Simonetti & Associates have extensive knowledge and background in law and all come from highly acclaimed law schools in the Northeastern region.

Simonetti & Associates in Hicksville, New York is made up of a compassionate team of attorneys who are on call even after hours so that they can accommodate to your needs. They know how hard it can be to afford a lawyer, especially during difficult times, which is why their mission is to achieve your objectives, control the costs in your divorce, and utilize their effective options to keep your costs down. Simonetti & Associates understand that family issues that are taken into legal matters can often be a very sensitive area for many.

Simonetti & Associates are highly trained attorneys who are willing to go out of their way to accommodate your needs and budget. Call Simonetti & Associates today at (877) 385-2560 or visit them online at http://www.bestlongislanddivorve.com.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 28 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

Divorce Lawyer in Massapequa, New York

Best Divorce Lawyer on Long Island 3 years running? Now that sounds promising. Simonetti & Associates holds that title proudly and do everything they can to prove worthy of it. They are a team willing to work with you no matter your net worth and understand what you need as for legal representation. Simonetti & Associates strive to provide you with the best, high quality service.

Simonetti & Associates have been providing top-of-the-line service for more than 28 years. They have been representing Long Island residents since 1990. If you want to be represented by the best and join their long list of clients, you can visit their office located in Woodbury, New York. Simonetti & Associates represent both Nassau and Suffolk residents so you do not need to worry if you are not in the area or do not live in Nassau County.

Every attorney on the team of Simonetti & Associates understands the demands and needs of all divorce cases and are always up to the task. They are always available to ease your mind in the rough times, have flexible hours, return calls after hours, and provide free, no commitment consultations.

Simonetti & Associates strive to exceed every client’s expectations with their experience, knowledge, and efficiency. Simonetti & Associates give you many options to keep your case cost effective, and besides their free, no commitment consultations they offer, they provide many more effective services. They offer mediation services to any clients willing to go that route prior to litigation and are always researching ways effective to your particular case in order to keep it short and efficient. The attorneys at Simonetti & Associates are very well acquainted with the judicial staff and the divorce lawyers of Nassau County and this can make it easier to resolve a case without going to trial.

Please give Simonetti & Associates a call today if you are interested in having them be your legal representation, no matter if you are in the beginning stages of a divorce or want to change your representation. The attorneys at Simonetti & Associates will will strive to make your case a successful one.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 28 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

Huntington Divorce Lawyer

There may be some cause for concern if your marriage is “on the rocks”. You or your spouse may be considering a divorce for multiple reasons and it should be approached in an appropriate manner. Obtaining a lawyer that is educated in all aspects of divorce is essential for a spouse that needs the most help they can get. The biggest concern most people may have when finding a divorce lawyer is the cost. However, the cost of a divorce lawyer should not deter people from obtaining the best representation they can find. Simonetti & Associates provides the best representation at an affordable cost! We are located in Woodbury, New York, but we also serve clients in the towns of Huntington, Massapequa, Hicksville, Smithtown, Hauppauge, Saint James, Nesconset, Islandia, Stony Brook, Commack, Lake Grove, Central Islip, Ronkonkoma, East Northport, Brentwood, Kings Park, Bohemia, and many more in Nassau and Suffolk County alike.

Residents all over Long Island that are looking for knowledgeable divorce attorneys to help educate them through the process of a divorce can be reassured that Simonetti & Associates is the best choice. We have your best interests in mind at all times and are focused on achieving a fair outcome for each party involved. While divorce is an area that we specialize in, we also have expertise in other areas within family law, including adoption, divorce, pre and postnuptial agreements, same-sex divorce, fathers rights, protection orders, separation agreements, and mediation. If you are looking for a divorce or are interested in more information for any of the other areas we have experience in, visit or contact us at Simonetti & Associatesin Woodbury, New York for your free consultation today to put your stress to rest. We hope to meet with you soon!

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 28 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

Alimony Payments

What is alimony?

Alimony is a payment one spouse makes to another during or after a divorce. The payment is for the support and maintenance of a spouse either at one time or continuous payments. It is paid by a “supporting spouse” to a “dependent spouse.” The idea behind alimony payments is that when a dependent spouse (one who has less income than the other spouse) must depend on the other spouse for maintenance and support.

Alimony in New York State

In New York State, alimony is now called “maintenance.” New York has a new temporary maintenance system which is only paid while the divorce is pending. Temporary maintenance cannot granted without addressing and asking the court for it and is not automatically granted. Furthermore, alimony is not available in an uncontested divorce, which is a divorce with no fighting.Temporary maintenance is typically much easier to calculate than permanent maintenance.

According to the New York State Law the court must consider the following factors before granting alimony in court:

• The income and property of both parties including marital property.
• Length of the marriage.
• Age and health of both parties.
• Present and future earnings capacities.
• Possible need of one party in need of education or training expenses.
• The ability of the dependent spouse to become self-supporting and how long that will take.
• Presence of and care of children. 
• Tax consequences to each party.
• Distribution of marital property.

The amount of alimony varies dependent on these factors along with some others unlisted. If the dependent spouse has committed acts of illicit sexual behavior, the supporting spouse is not required to pay any money in terms of alimony. If the supporting spouse has also done such acts, the court is then permitted to award alimony. Lastly, if only the supporting spouse has committed such acts, then the court must award alimony. 

Alimony and taxes

Alimony is different from child support as it is money provided above granted money. Child support is a simple calculation by guidelines set by the state while alimony is by the discretion of the judge. Alimony is tax deductible to the person who is paying it and is included in the taxable income of the dependent spouse. Child support is not tax deductible or taxable on either end. Some spouses will find there is more advantages to paying alimony before bringing it to court. 

Always remember, each case is unique. Just because your case sounds similar to another one does not mean the courts will grant the same outcome. The attorneys at Simonetti & Associates, rated Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer for three years in a row, understands your needs on an individual basis and are here to provide high-quality legal representation.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 28 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

Divorce Trends

Divorce is an unappealing option to couples facing issues in their relationship, but it may be the best option in many cases. There are some trends of divorce that are significant to point out.

There is an overwhelming belief that couples are getting divorced at an increasing rate, but the reality is that the divorce rate is actually decreasing. Less couples are considering and committing to tying the knot, which, in turn, has decreased the divorce rate.

Another surprising statistic is that women tend to be much happier after the divorce. More than half of divorces are initiated by women and it makes sense as to why they are more happy afterwards. While child custody and spousal abuse could are two major reasons why women are more likely to ask for a divorce, economic independence can also be seen as a contributing factor.

Statistically, the largest amount of couples getting a divorce are people over the age of 50. This can be because couples tend to marry at a later age so in turn they choose to divorce at a later age. Older people are also more likely to have been previously married, therefore increasing the chances of them getting another divorce.

Factors such as religion, age, education, and location can also have an impact on a marriage. It has been found that couples who are married after the age of 25, have a religious affiliation, a child after they get married, a higher income, and a college education are less likely to file for divorce. West coast residents also seem to see a higher divorce rate than couples on the other side of the country.

With these trends in mind, it is always important to remember to weigh the outcomes of a divorce, whether they be positive or negative, and to make sure that the best decision is being made.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

Maintenance Law

Maintenance law refers to alimony or spousal support and has been awaiting revisions in New York for quite some time now. The revisions have recently passed in the State Senate and Assembly by wide margins and the governor is expected to sign them into law soon. The changes coming into play include revised amendments in order to create a new formula for determining the temporary maintenance awarded to the spouse with less money while the divorce is pending. The new amendment will also base maintenance awarded in the final judgment of divorce on the new formula as well.

The formula usage in determining maintenance in the final judgment of a divorce is something new from the law that exists now. Without a formula, both parties in the divorce are left to wonder the amount of maintenance that will be awarded as determined by the court and various qualitative factors. It is up to the court to decide the amount of maintenance based on subjective factors and there is usually disagreement on how to apply those factors.

With the use of a formula, there is less pressure on the court to decide the amount and duration of the maintenance and will allow for cases to be settled much easier. People will know what to expect at the trial and will be able to settle the case more easily with the formula in place. The formula under the new law will also benefit the spouse with more money as it has a much lower cap on the amount of income that will be used. The spouse with more money will have to pay lower maintenance awards in the case that they are the non-custodial parent or if there are no children.

With this new formula, hopefully cases will be able to be settled more easily and both parties will be satisfied with the outcome.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

Same Sex Divorce

2015 was the year for change and a major leap toward new tradition was the legalization of same-sex marriage. The classic bride and groom on the top of a wedding cake was to be altered in society as same-sex genders were now allowed to legally wed one another. The decision by the Supreme Court was a dream come true as many Americans had been living with their partners for years but were unable to do anything “officially” as they’re relationship was not recognized by society. Although many rushed to the alters not too long after, plenty of couples headed to divorce lawyers to make their pleas, sign papers, and split!

Why have divorce rates spiked so much since the legalization of gay marriages? Statistics show that in 2011, of the 640,000 gay couples, almost 50,000 of them were married. One reason behind this phenomenon is that these couples are now finally eligible for divorce as their marriages were not truly recognized prior to 2015.

Adding to these studies, another statistic shows that there has been a drastic increase Americans’ thoughts and feelings toward same sex marriage as the percentage jumped from 37% in 2009 to 57% in 2015. This may be another result of high divorce rates as many wives or husbands married in hopes to have a family and fight their true sexuality or may have felt pressured by family, friends and even society. Since same-sex marriage became legal, perhaps they do not see the need to fight against their true feelings as their dreams of being with an individual of the same gender can now become reality due to the legalization of same sex marriage.

The legalization of same-sex marriage (and therefore divorce) allows couples who have grown tired of playing house for so long to pursue a divorce and find what/who truly makes them happy in a marriage. Simonetti & Associates has made themselves available for over twenty years to clients wishing to leave their partner and transition into a divorce. With experienced employees, the firm is here to help those going through a divorce and transition into new, adaptable lifestyle changes as society undergoes a few changes of its own.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

January Is National Divorce Month

Did you know January is National Divorce Month? The divorce rates have peaked so high in the past few years that it actually has it’s own month. It seems that as the cold weather rolls in during the month of early January, so does the cold shoulder exchange between spouses.

As the holidays come to an end, evidently so does the good food, parties, and music that fills the air and lifts the spirits of those in the holiday mood. Many people seem to be looking for a fresh new start with the advent of a new calendar year and see January as the perfect month to begin this process. Simonetti & Associates have over 28 years of experience to get you through this process and help guide you into a smooth transition.

The divorce process usually brings along anxiety as it is a change in lifestyle as both parties will be going from surviving on a two-person income to just one income. Of course, there are emotional changes that clients undergo as well as financially as they will often battle between one another for assets. Simonetti & Associates will sit down with their client for a cost-free and no obligation consultation and listen to concerns while discussing all possible options before following through with the process.

Simonetti & Associates value communication as they want the client to transition into this process as smooth as possible. The office provides flexible hours to ensure an attorney is available to their clients at all times. Located in Woodbury, Long Island, Simonetti & Associates understands that the cost to afford a divorce representative can be expensive as well the loss of assets in a divorce if your spouse claims a large majority of shares and investments.

Simonetti & Associates will work with clients to keep costs down and go into trial with the best amount of information available in order to result in the least amount of loss in equity. They are available to their clients as they are compassionate and understanding during this tough time in not only the year but in their clients’ lives.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

New Year, New You. Is It Time to Pull the Plug?

Each year you make plenty of new year’s resolutions that you may (or may not) keep, which usually include something along the lines of exercising more, eating better, and saving money. Why do we set these types of goals? The greatest wish we have for ourselves during the new year is to improve our lifestyles and live life to the fullest. You’ve heard it before: “a new year and a new you”. To become that “new you”, however, requires moving on from bad choices and planning to make better decisions in your life. Maybe that new and improved you can only be achieved by moving on from a bad relationship. How do you know when to pull the plug on your marriage?

You are not alone in thinking the new year might be better off spent alone. January is unofficially known as “divorce month” by many legal professionals. Certain things, such as infidelity, constant fighting, or abusive behavior, are signs that a relationship is over, but there may also be some not so obvious signs that your marriage isn’t working. Here are are some signs you should recognize that might tell you your marriage is over.

Are you noticing that you and your partner have already separated yourselves? Are you not communicating with each other? A relationship coming to an end often creates a disconnect between partners. If you are not spending any time together, and actually find relief having many hours apart, this may be the first sign that the relationship is nearing the end.

Mutual respect is one of the most important aspects of a relationship, and if it is not there, there is no relationships. If you feel like your partner dismisses you, condescends to you, or rejects all your ideas or wishes, these are signs of an unhealthy relationship. Your relationship is likely to become toxic if your marriage is void of respect. If you feel your marriage and relationship with your spouse has gotten to this point, it either has to be fixed immediately or needs to come to an end.

Your marriage should consist of teamwork and problems can arise if there is no compromise. Your spouse should try to meet your needs as well as their own and it may put an end to things if your needs or wishes are not being met because your partner cannot share in these responsibilities. Not being willing to compromise is especially concerning when trying to repair the damage of a broken relationship. If only one partner is doing all the work trying to mend the problems you share, it may be time to ditch the efforts and pull the plug on your marriage.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

Visitation Rights

When a married couple with children decide to get a divorce, the question of physical custody and visitation comes into play. Visitation is one of the most important factors of a divorce, and if a noncustodial parent has been denied visitation by the ex-spouse, or the noncustodial parent can be harmful to the children, Simonetti & Associates can help.

Visitation is determined by the courts in various ways. The focus of the court is for the child or children to have the most normal interaction with the noncustodial parent as possible, but if the custodial parent feels otherwise, they need to present evidence explaining their reasoning to the court. Only under extremely harsh circumstances will the court prevent a parent from receiving any visitation, although restrictions can be set in place.

There are different types of visitation for noncustodial parents in New York State, including unsupervised, supervised, therapeutic supervised, neutral place of exchange, and monitored exchange. Depending on the circumstances, the court will decide which method of visitation will be best for the child and parents in the long run.

If either parent is concerned about the visitation rights, they can try to change a visitation order by petitioning the court to either add or remove certain restrictions. Whether it be a parent with a troubled history that has taken a serious turn in trying to rehabilitate their behavior, or if both parents have agreed to new terms, then they would be able to ask the court for an adjustment of visitation terms.

If you are in the New York area and are looking for help with your custody and visitation questions, Simonetti & Associates will be able to provide a complimentary case evaluation. We have more than 25 years of experience and are more than happy to help solve your problems as quickly and inexpensively as possible.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.

Grandparents Rights

Grandparents rights are not given as much attention as parental rights yet it is still an important issue in regards to childcare. You have a right to be a part of your grandchild’s life in some shape or form if your son or daughter is divorced or if the relationship between the parents of your grandchildren is problematic.

You have legal rights if you aren’t given a reasonable amount of time of in-person or virtual communication with your grandchild. The best interest of the child is of utmost priority throughout the United States and rights should be rewarded if you can prove to the courts that your relationship will enhance the child’s life.

In-person communication may not be in the best interest of the child if you perhaps live several hours away, especially if he or she must travel to you, but communication via telephone or over the internet is very reasonable with today’s technology.

Communication with your grandchild can become difficult in cases where your son or daughter is deceased. Grandparent visitation rights are often granted in these cases as the importance of maintaining familial connections can be argued in a court of law.

The outcome may not be so clear in cases where there is some “bad blood” between family members. Parental rights often supercede grandparent rights in many courts, and without careful litigation, a judge may rule in favor of a fit parent’s decision to not allow grandparent visitation. It is extremely important that you have a good lawyer on your side if you plan to ask for grandparent visitation rights,

The delicate nature of family cases can make the process more arduous or put you at a disadvantage if you attempt to go through it alone. As a grandparent, you have a duty to fulfill in the child’s life and it would be in your best interest to seek a lawyer who is both trustworthy and affordable.

Voted Long Island’s Best Divorce Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption, Same-sex divorce, Pre- and postnuptial agreements, Father’s rights, Separation agreements, Protection orders and Meditation. To help keep your legal costs at a minimum, call 877-385-2560.